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Jeff Gordon: His Dream, Drive & Destiny
Jeff His Dream, Drive & Destiny is a New York Times best seller! “People are going to be able to read about me like they’ve never read about me before.” says Jeff Gordon. “We reveal some things that are definitely a little controversial, whether it be my divorce or talking about my parents’ separation, as well as the relationship between Jimmie Johnson and I. Although I’m a huge supporter of his and friend of his, how that has been challenged over time, as well as the separation with Ray Evernham when he left the team. It hasn’t always been great, perfect and happy times. It was tough to tell myself that if I’m going to write a book, I want it to be done in a way that shows who I truly am and the things I went through and not hold back. I think Joe Garner did an excellent job of pulling that out of me, although it was hard at times.” The first-ever authorized biography of Jeff Gordon, the four-time champion racing legend. For over a year, Garner interviewed and observed Gordon at races, special events, and at home. The book is based on extensive interviews with Gordon – as well as in-depth interviews with dozens of family members, friends, competitors, and colleagues, some of whom have never gone on the record before. Jeff speaks candidly, sometimes brutally so, about his childhood, his much publicized divorce, those he competed against, his family, and life after racing. This fully illustrated hardcover biography will allow privileged access to a wealth of exclusive unseen and rare material from Gordon’s personal photo and memorabilia collection. Gordon’s meteoric rise through racing’s ranks is a classic American success story. Readers will find inspiration in Gordon’s candid take on his pivotal life episodes. About the Five-time New York Times bestselling author Joe Garner has become one of the premiere chroniclers of America’s popular culture. With his seminal work, WE INTERRUPT THIS BROADCAST, he took publishing by storm, selling nearly 700,000 copies and hit the New York Times bestseller list in two consecutive years. He has produced several other bestsellers. His most recent New York Times and USA Today bestseller is 100 YARDS OF GLORY, about the greatest moments in NFL history, with Bob Costas. Gordon and Garner first worked together in 2006 on the multimedia book titled SPEED, GUTS & GLORY, about landmark moments in NASCAR history. Gordon narrated the video chapters that accompanied the book. About the Tom Cruise is an American actor and filmmaker. Cruise has been nominated for three Academy Awards and has won three Golden Globe Awards. He is also a huge NASCAR fan.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 17, 2020
When NASCAR became more of a national sport instead of a niche in the southeastern United States in the 1990's, one of the star drivers who helped this mainstream push was Jeff Gordon. With his good looks, polite demeanor, upbringing in a region outside of the hub of NASCAR and oh, yes, his success on the track, he was a fan favorite and well-respected by his competitors. This book by Joe Garner does a nice job of recapping Gordon's upbringing and his career.
Most sports biographies that cover an athlete's upbringing will talk about the people and events that made the athlete realize that his or her destiny was in their sport. This book is no different in that respect as Gordon's early entry into racing on dirt tracks with small winged vehicles are well-covered. He gives a lot of credit to his mother Carol and stepfather John for supporting him when doing this both emotionally and financially. Despite his small physical stature, team owners and crew chiefs were taking notice of him before he settled on pursuing a career in NASCAR, even though his early dreams were about him racing at the Indianapolis 500.
This part of the book, and subsequent chapters in which Carol and John are mentioned are the most the book contains about Gordon's personal life. While his two marriages and the children he is raising with his second wife are covered, this book is much more about Gordon's racing career than it is about his personal life. There is little negative coverage about his career as well. Yes, some of the harder parts, such as when Gordon left a smaller team to sign with one of the big names in the sport, Hendrick Motorsports, are covered, but overall this book reads like a fan book. Of course, given the success Gordon had in his career, with four NASCAR championships, it is easy to see why this would read as such.
There are plenty of pictures throughout the book as well, giving the reader a nice visual recap of Gordon's career as well as a decent read. The pictures in the Kindle version, which is what I read, can be small at times but per other reviewers who have read the hardcover edition, it is a coffee table type book in which the pictures especially stand out.
This book is great for two types of readers – relatively new fans of NASCAR who only know of Gordon being a broadcaster for Fox's coverage of the sport or for his biggest fans. The former will learn much about his racing career before broadcasting, the latter will relive many great memories. Other fans who have followed the sport for a long time won't learn a lot of new material but will still have fun reading about one of the biggest names in the sport.
Most sports biographies that cover an athlete's upbringing will talk about the people and events that made the athlete realize that his or her destiny was in their sport. This book is no different in that respect as Gordon's early entry into racing on dirt tracks with small winged vehicles are well-covered. He gives a lot of credit to his mother Carol and stepfather John for supporting him when doing this both emotionally and financially. Despite his small physical stature, team owners and crew chiefs were taking notice of him before he settled on pursuing a career in NASCAR, even though his early dreams were about him racing at the Indianapolis 500.
This part of the book, and subsequent chapters in which Carol and John are mentioned are the most the book contains about Gordon's personal life. While his two marriages and the children he is raising with his second wife are covered, this book is much more about Gordon's racing career than it is about his personal life. There is little negative coverage about his career as well. Yes, some of the harder parts, such as when Gordon left a smaller team to sign with one of the big names in the sport, Hendrick Motorsports, are covered, but overall this book reads like a fan book. Of course, given the success Gordon had in his career, with four NASCAR championships, it is easy to see why this would read as such.
There are plenty of pictures throughout the book as well, giving the reader a nice visual recap of Gordon's career as well as a decent read. The pictures in the Kindle version, which is what I read, can be small at times but per other reviewers who have read the hardcover edition, it is a coffee table type book in which the pictures especially stand out.
This book is great for two types of readers – relatively new fans of NASCAR who only know of Gordon being a broadcaster for Fox's coverage of the sport or for his biggest fans. The former will learn much about his racing career before broadcasting, the latter will relive many great memories. Other fans who have followed the sport for a long time won't learn a lot of new material but will still have fun reading about one of the biggest names in the sport.
May 9, 2017
This was an interesting read for me considering I know nothing about about NASCAR or have any interest in the sport. I happen to catch Jeff doing an interview on a hip-hop radio show of all places. In discussing the book, he seemed to have an interest story. So I figured why not read something different. Whether you're into NASCAR or not it's a good read.
December 6, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. I have been a huge Jeff Gordon fan, but reading about his life made me even more of a fan. His drive and dedication to racing from the time he was five, is absolutely incredible to read about.
February 24, 2024
As a lifelong JG fan, this book is all you could want and more to encapsulate such an illustrious career.
February 20, 2024
Great book if you're a NASCAR fan. The book wanted me to go out and look for other NASCAR drivers that have written a book!
November 23, 2016
A very good book about a one of the last great drivers to come up through NASCAR before NASCAR imploded. When I picked this book up at the library I was sort of disappointed when I saw the lady bring it to the counter. It was physically large, like a coffee table book, which a lot of times is packed with photos and not much information. However that wasn't the case with this book. It did contain tons of great photos, but was also not short on actual words. It was a very interesting read. This is the only Jeff Gordon book that I've read, and will read. I mean, come on, he's not Elvis! I would recommend this book to other fans of Jeff
November 27, 2018
I was grateful for the insight this book gave me on the week of thanksgiving. Being about a sport I cared not a lick about, it showcased more than anything the doubt producing in pro sports, PR, and cultural revolution of a sports icon at the turn of the century. The low rating was due primarily to the fact that I have never and will never be a diehard racecar watcher; I have never seen 50 cars go 200+mph on a 1 mi track; the ins and outs of lane bullying and cutting to the front through a final turn are gibberish to me.
Jeff Gordon, the wininingest race car driver before the meteoric 2011 rise of Jimmie Johnson, won so many races through the 36 race season that NASCAR thought it necessary to institute a race to the finish, the chase, playoff series to make the season interesting again for the average fan.
The turn of the century marked a huge change for sports. Longtime regional sports were starting to gain national appeal as the introduction of digital TV and the greater reception of cable among Americans as a whole brought local sports into the national spotlight. This increased revenue and fanbase attracted a wider range of enthusiasts and competitors. Jeff Gordon started his days competing with the pros in his early teens and handedly winning open-car, Busch League races before entering high school. A racing prodigy driven by his overambitious step-father, Jeff Gordon took the sport as seriously as an adult would from day one at four years old. This passsion or drive or destiny showed and he was offered a gig in any of the major racing leagues: NASCAR or formula 1. #24 team and Jeff's unmatched success through the 2000s opened the door for scouting grounds anywhere one could fathom across amateur and foreign leagues. Today's NASCAR is leagues more competitive because of the millenium's anthropocentric evolution in scouting and popularity.
It was disconcerting to read about NASCAR head Bill France Jr's telling the #24 team to slow down or they will be forced to slow down in his invincible 2008 season. I always hoped professional sports wasn't rigged, but, alas, it is as shown in the following dialogue:
“Jeff and I got direct orders from Bill France Jr., ‘Don’t stink up my show this week,’ ” Evernham recalls. “He said, ‘You guys need to slow that thing down a little bit or I’ll slow it down for you.’ ” Both Evernham and Jeff found it flattering.
Pro sports are made for their consumer market, trying to reach the biggest cities, with as broad of storylines as they can make. If one person wins every race in the season, all other drivers across hometowns will lose hard-earned fans.
b/c of Jeff's focus on PR and maintaining a loyal fan base, his $100 million in prize earnings pale in comparison to his endorsement deals, a product of living in Victory Lane
Jeff Gordon, the wininingest race car driver before the meteoric 2011 rise of Jimmie Johnson, won so many races through the 36 race season that NASCAR thought it necessary to institute a race to the finish, the chase, playoff series to make the season interesting again for the average fan.
The turn of the century marked a huge change for sports. Longtime regional sports were starting to gain national appeal as the introduction of digital TV and the greater reception of cable among Americans as a whole brought local sports into the national spotlight. This increased revenue and fanbase attracted a wider range of enthusiasts and competitors. Jeff Gordon started his days competing with the pros in his early teens and handedly winning open-car, Busch League races before entering high school. A racing prodigy driven by his overambitious step-father, Jeff Gordon took the sport as seriously as an adult would from day one at four years old. This passsion or drive or destiny showed and he was offered a gig in any of the major racing leagues: NASCAR or formula 1. #24 team and Jeff's unmatched success through the 2000s opened the door for scouting grounds anywhere one could fathom across amateur and foreign leagues. Today's NASCAR is leagues more competitive because of the millenium's anthropocentric evolution in scouting and popularity.
It was disconcerting to read about NASCAR head Bill France Jr's telling the #24 team to slow down or they will be forced to slow down in his invincible 2008 season. I always hoped professional sports wasn't rigged, but, alas, it is as shown in the following dialogue:
“Jeff and I got direct orders from Bill France Jr., ‘Don’t stink up my show this week,’ ” Evernham recalls. “He said, ‘You guys need to slow that thing down a little bit or I’ll slow it down for you.’ ” Both Evernham and Jeff found it flattering.
Pro sports are made for their consumer market, trying to reach the biggest cities, with as broad of storylines as they can make. If one person wins every race in the season, all other drivers across hometowns will lose hard-earned fans.
b/c of Jeff's focus on PR and maintaining a loyal fan base, his $100 million in prize earnings pale in comparison to his endorsement deals, a product of living in Victory Lane
February 12, 2019
I grew up in the mid-late 90’s and being the son of a big racing fan, it was easy to get swept up in NASCAR. While I was too young to understand the complexity of auto racing or the celebrity culture that came with it, I clearly remember the days of Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt. And Though neither of those 2 were my favorite (I was a Sterling Marlin fan), it was always hard to ignore the rainbow paint scheme of the 24 car and his near constant positions towards the front of the field.
Jeff Gordon while definitely too short at just shy of 200 pages (though at times feeling immensely longer too), did a fantastic job in highlighting and chronicling Jeff Gordon’s meteoric rose to fame.
And pinpointing just why the guy was such a huge, albeit refreshing, change to the otherwise stuffy culture of NASCAR. I started watching the sport in the mid 90’s and came in at the height of Gordon’s career, so being able to learn about his upbringing, his past, and his constant drive to be the best, was a great experience and a much needed diversion from my normal reading fare.
My only complaint(s), aside from the length, are fairly minor. The layout was a bit strange. I loved the pictures (full color on my iPad), but their placement in the middle of chapters or slightly out of sync made for odd breaks in the text and sometimes, with the captions, ruined the suspense of the chapter. I also found Garner’s writing to be too simplistic and basic at times. I know This was a biography and sometimes this genre doesn’t really require tense, action packed, detailed sentences, but I’ll just say that Garner is no Erik Larson. Again, it’s not bad writing, I totally enjoyed what was written, I just wanted more.
Jeff Gordon while definitely too short at just shy of 200 pages (though at times feeling immensely longer too), did a fantastic job in highlighting and chronicling Jeff Gordon’s meteoric rose to fame.
And pinpointing just why the guy was such a huge, albeit refreshing, change to the otherwise stuffy culture of NASCAR. I started watching the sport in the mid 90’s and came in at the height of Gordon’s career, so being able to learn about his upbringing, his past, and his constant drive to be the best, was a great experience and a much needed diversion from my normal reading fare.
My only complaint(s), aside from the length, are fairly minor. The layout was a bit strange. I loved the pictures (full color on my iPad), but their placement in the middle of chapters or slightly out of sync made for odd breaks in the text and sometimes, with the captions, ruined the suspense of the chapter. I also found Garner’s writing to be too simplistic and basic at times. I know This was a biography and sometimes this genre doesn’t really require tense, action packed, detailed sentences, but I’ll just say that Garner is no Erik Larson. Again, it’s not bad writing, I totally enjoyed what was written, I just wanted more.
August 11, 2019
Once upon a Time my family used to be big into NASCAR. Jeff Gordon was my mother's favorite driver. I was more of an Ernie Irvan fan until he retired, then switched my allegiance to Mark Martin. Once I moved out of my parents house, my interest in the sport waned and quite honestly I haven't followed it since. Therefore, this book was a nice summary of what I missed in the intervening 12 years between then and Jeff's retirement at the conclusion of the 2015 season.
I didn't know much about his pre-Winston Cup days (not Sprint, not Monster or whatever sponsorship name it has now...) so that was interesting. It's common knowledge that his ex-wife was a bitch, and this reinforced that too...people who cut you off from your family are awful people.
Aside from the inside look and recollections about his career, this book showed me how much the sport has changed...the chase format for points was always bullshit, but to see how many times Jeff got robbed of a championship after the format's introduction and subsequent further bastardization annoyed me.
Also depressing: most of the drivers I really remembered: retired now. I'm getting old, man.
I didn't know much about his pre-Winston Cup days (not Sprint, not Monster or whatever sponsorship name it has now...) so that was interesting. It's common knowledge that his ex-wife was a bitch, and this reinforced that too...people who cut you off from your family are awful people.
Aside from the inside look and recollections about his career, this book showed me how much the sport has changed...the chase format for points was always bullshit, but to see how many times Jeff got robbed of a championship after the format's introduction and subsequent further bastardization annoyed me.
Also depressing: most of the drivers I really remembered: retired now. I'm getting old, man.
October 29, 2020
This was actually quite well written, although I got a bit glassy eyed in some chapters. But, as Gordon pointed out in his final speech before retiring from auto racing, he had opportunity, met the right people at the right time and had good cars. That said, it wasn't just that. The man started off as a child prodigy. He first raced at about 4 or 5 on a BMX bike and did very well for a tiny boy competing against older ones, but after his mother was concerned about his injuries, his step dad turned to racing. Yes, he started racing at 5 in races for kids. His single digit aged racing career got him featured on ESPN, etc. In a nutshell, he ended up taking a break and going back as a teen. I was oblivious--I didn't even hear about ESPN back then since I wasn't really watching much TV for most of the 1980s and 1990s.
The book is about more than just his racing, and touches on his family life and his two marriages, etc. None of what I have said is a spoiler, but the details in the book are things you have to read to find out.
The book is about more than just his racing, and touches on his family life and his two marriages, etc. None of what I have said is a spoiler, but the details in the book are things you have to read to find out.
June 14, 2017
As a long-time NASCAR fan, I was really looking forward to reading this book about Jeff Gordon. While he wasn't always my favorite driver (he was major competition for some of my favorites), he certainly knew how to drive a race car and win.
I think that I was expecting more dirt in this book. His divorce from Brooke was kind of down-played and I think that should have been talked about a little more. I think his personal life should have been shared more.
This book is definitely the life story of Jeff Gordon on the racing side. The author did a great job of getting to know Jeff Gordon and the personalities who helped him gain his career.
One beef. For such a large volume, the print could have been a little larger also.
I think that I was expecting more dirt in this book. His divorce from Brooke was kind of down-played and I think that should have been talked about a little more. I think his personal life should have been shared more.
This book is definitely the life story of Jeff Gordon on the racing side. The author did a great job of getting to know Jeff Gordon and the personalities who helped him gain his career.
One beef. For such a large volume, the print could have been a little larger also.
January 4, 2020
i think for me ... Jeff Gordon was a young whipper snapper who came along when it was really so famous ... to me racing is not what it use to be ... sorry. not sorry. i thought Dale Earnhardt was so cool.. that mustache ...what a gorgeous man ...such a loss. i really wonder about the relationship between the 2. you will only know one side sadly. i was a kid who really loved Tom Cruise ... watched all his movies as a kid ... so when "Days of Thunder" came out ...it was just so cool. great actors .. fun tunes ... so i guess i sort of connected with Jeff ... no clue how old he is? i guess i could google it??! he is about my hubby's age ...so not that much older than me ... really enjoyed the pictures ... well done! if you are racing fan u will enjoy this.
June 30, 2019
The Jeff Gordon I didn't know!
Who knew? This excellent work of non-fiction reads like a novel. Garner has made the story of Jeff Gordon's life and racing career not only enjoyable and fun to read, but so important in telling the true story about the real Jeff Gordon. I now have a strong appreciation of who and what Jeff Gordon was and is. Quite an amazing talent, but even more importantly, an awesome human being. Here, here to both JEFF's!! I sincerely hope many more folks take the time to read this book!
Who knew? This excellent work of non-fiction reads like a novel. Garner has made the story of Jeff Gordon's life and racing career not only enjoyable and fun to read, but so important in telling the true story about the real Jeff Gordon. I now have a strong appreciation of who and what Jeff Gordon was and is. Quite an amazing talent, but even more importantly, an awesome human being. Here, here to both JEFF's!! I sincerely hope many more folks take the time to read this book!
July 10, 2018
I am not much of a NASCAR fan but always enjoyed Jeff, his image and his driving. After reading this book and learning more about him, I am disappointed in Jeff and how he has chosen to live his life. He is pluralistic in his views and totally lives in the world and lives for only what he thinks will make him happy. He is a real disappointment. He self-admits that he is only worried about his image. A very sad existence. A well written book and story never the less.
December 25, 2018
A memorable walk down memory lane
An avid NASCAR fan in the early 90s through the early 2010 decade, reading this book took me back down memory lane. I remember watching the first victory at the Coca-Cola 600 race. As an avid Rusty Wallace fan, the 24 team was one I'd boo each race weekend. But it is hard to not like Jeff's personality and dedication. Truly enjoyed reading the history of how Jeff Gordon became Jeff Gordon.
An avid NASCAR fan in the early 90s through the early 2010 decade, reading this book took me back down memory lane. I remember watching the first victory at the Coca-Cola 600 race. As an avid Rusty Wallace fan, the 24 team was one I'd boo each race weekend. But it is hard to not like Jeff's personality and dedication. Truly enjoyed reading the history of how Jeff Gordon became Jeff Gordon.
May 14, 2024
Jeff Gordon created something very few drivers can ever dream of, a legacy. But how did he get here? Through a refinement of his natural gift, hard work and great people who pushed him, he made himself into a brand. Jeff was everywhere at his peak, a man who exuded charisma. With that, he had the balls to tell his boss, hire this Johnson kid. The rest was history, changing the sport as we know it into the modern era.
December 31, 2016
I've been a Jeff Gordon fan (and consequently a NASCAR fan) since 1997. it has been awesome following his career, and this book brought back so many memories. I really enjoyed learning more about Jeff, the good and the bad, and definitely loved all the pictures on every page. Thanks for all the years, Jeff, and I wish you continued success in the next phase of your life.
October 22, 2017
The writing wasn't great but that is not why anyone would read it anyway. It is not a novel. If you are interested in Jeff's path to NASCAR, this book is for you. He reveals more than he has ever spoken publicly about and you see what a big role his step-dad had in getting him where he is now. I learned a lot of interesting things and it was an enjoyable read.
November 2, 2017
Great book
I am a life long fan of Jeff Gordon after seeing him on Thursday Night Thunder. He was an incredible talent and I enjoyed watching him dominate his competition. This book gives a lot of what happened behind the scenes and is quite good. If you're a fan of Jeff and NASCAR you'll enjoy this book.
I am a life long fan of Jeff Gordon after seeing him on Thursday Night Thunder. He was an incredible talent and I enjoyed watching him dominate his competition. This book gives a lot of what happened behind the scenes and is quite good. If you're a fan of Jeff and NASCAR you'll enjoy this book.
January 2, 2018
A good glance into the career of one of the grests
While I was never a fan of Jeff Gordon, I did respect the talent and what that 24 team was able to do. This book offers great insight into the early years and the beginnings in NASCAR before his time at Hendrick which I enjoyed.
Overall I came to actually like Jeff Gordon
While I was never a fan of Jeff Gordon, I did respect the talent and what that 24 team was able to do. This book offers great insight into the early years and the beginnings in NASCAR before his time at Hendrick which I enjoyed.
Overall I came to actually like Jeff Gordon
January 3, 2018
JEFF Gordon always my favorite driver.
I liked the entertaining fast reading and how the story was told. Over the past 20 years I have been curious about JEFF’s actual thoughts on how to live life and function as a race car driver. He will be missed as a competitor.
I liked the entertaining fast reading and how the story was told. Over the past 20 years I have been curious about JEFF’s actual thoughts on how to live life and function as a race car driver. He will be missed as a competitor.
January 5, 2018
Made Me More A Gordon Fan Then Before
Uniquely real & made me even more of a Jeff Gordon fan after reading this book then I was before.
Loved hearing the very beginning of his storied career from boyhood on.
Jeff picked the right person to write his story.
Uniquely real & made me even more of a Jeff Gordon fan after reading this book then I was before.
Loved hearing the very beginning of his storied career from boyhood on.
Jeff picked the right person to write his story.
June 21, 2018
Enlightening
My insight into the car racing world was very limited at the start of this book. By the end, I felt I had been on the ride of my life. The insightful and honest comments allowed me into the heart of a true hero.
My insight into the car racing world was very limited at the start of this book. By the end, I felt I had been on the ride of my life. The insightful and honest comments allowed me into the heart of a true hero.
October 28, 2020
I never was a huge Jeff Gordon fan, at that time in my life I was watching more IndyCar. Living in Indiana, ID heard of him from his sprint car and midget days.
So even not being a big fan of his I thought this was a great book. Alot of great pictures, as well.
So even not being a big fan of his I thought this was a great book. Alot of great pictures, as well.
December 11, 2017
Decent book. It was mostly factual. There was a bit about his divorce and marriage, but most of the things in the book I already knew.
November 12, 2017
Not a bad read
If you are a Gordon fan it’s a good read. Not a lot new here but still not a complete waste of time
If you are a Gordon fan it’s a good read. Not a lot new here but still not a complete waste of time
November 26, 2017
A must read for any Jeff Gordon fans. It’s clear he was very candid eith the author, and it gives you a window into who Jeff is as a person, what motivates him, and how he became an all time great.
November 26, 2017
Great read for a racing or NASCAR fan
This book gives great insight into Jeff Gordon’s career and, what it is like to be a driver in NASCAR .
This book gives great insight into Jeff Gordon’s career and, what it is like to be a driver in NASCAR .
July 3, 2018
Jeff Gordon is one of my favorite racers of all time. This book opened my eyes to knowing more about him and his struggles
January 21, 2020
What an interesting life, and now all I wanna do is go to the races!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews